The Kiev 88 is an SLR camera. It was manufactured by Arsenal near Kiev and presented in the 80s. The medium format camera is very similar to the Salyut-C.
The medium format camera offers the possibility of interchangeable lenses. Lenses with different focal lengths were offered by Arsenal for the system. Often, one finds the 120 camera with an 80 mm, which is about the same as a 50 mm on a 35 mm camera. You have to focus the lens by hand through the shaft finder. The medium format camera does not have an autofocus function.
The Kiev 88 does not have a meter for proper exposure. The aperture and exposure time can be set freely by the photographer. Here you can choose from values from 1/1000 second to 1/2 second. The available aperture values are of course dependent on the lens used.
A Bulb setting is available on the Kiev 88. This allows the shutter to remain open for a variable amount of time to expose the film. An external flash can be connected to the hot shoe. Additionally, there is a PC flash socket.
Films for the Kiev 88
Roll films are exposed in the Kiev 88. This type of photo films are made by some producers. A good choice for color photography, for example, is the Kodak Ektar 100*. If you want to stay monochrome, the Ilford Delta 100* is not bad. Both films are among the most solid films you can get right now.
With the Kiev 88, you have to think square. It takes pictures in 6×6 format. After just twelve frames, the film is full, no comparison to the 36 shots that fit on a roll of 35mm film. The Kiev comes with interchangeable backs. This feature allows you to expose a different film in the middle of the roll. This makes it easy to switch between black and white and color, for example.
The camera offers the possibility to connect a cable release and has a thread for a tripod on the bottom.
You can buy the medium format camera only in used condition. The condition and possibly accessories decide the price. As a rule, you will have to spend a three-digit euro amount for one.
Other versions
The Kiev 88 TTL comes with an interchangeable prism. This has a built-in light meter. Metering is done through the lens (TTL).
The Kiev 88 CM is a modified version that allows the use of Pentacon SIX lenses.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 120 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Waist-level finder |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second to 1/2 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Country of production | Ukraine |
| Estimated value / Used price | 326,47 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 27 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 369,86 Euro (399.41 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 336,10 Euro (363.69 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 369,77 Euro (399.41 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Kiev 88
Is the Kiev 88 an automatic camera?
No, the Kiev 88 is a manual camera. You need to manually set the aperture and shutter speed. It doesn't have autofocus or an automatic light meter.
What kind of film does this medium format camera use?
The Kiev 88 uses 120 roll film. This type of film produces 6x6cm square images, resulting in fewer photos per roll compared to 35mm film.
Can I use different lenses with the Kiev 88?
Yes, the Kiev 88 is a system camera with interchangeable lenses. Arsenal produced various lenses with different focal lengths for this camera system.
How do I focus the lens on this camera?
The Kiev 88 has a manual focus. You have to focus the lens manually through the viewfinder. There is no autofocus feature.
Does the camera have a flash option?
Yes, the Kiev 88 has a hot shoe for an external flash and also includes a PC flash sync socket for older flash units. It does not have a built-in flash.